The Saints only yesterday officially named Brian Adams their Assistant Director of College Scouting. Here is the official announcement per the Saints official website, but we already learned all of this in Tuesday's Saints News from the Herald in Rock Hill, SC. From the Saints official website...

“We’ve restructured our college scouting department and Brian is an experienced, smart talent evaluator who we targeted as someone who can help find the right players who will make our team better,” said Loomis. “He will work closely with Rick Reiprish in training and supervising our scouting staff.”

Yahoo! Sports had an article breaking down the Saints four big defensive acquisitions this offseason and asks whether this defense has improved enough. The answer?

The Saints did well with the types of defensive personnel they added. The moves bring them back to being favorites in the NFC South, and combined with their offense, there’s a good chance for a return to the NFC title game.

This has to be the year. (Michael C. Hebert)

Reggie Bush was one of Fox Sports' 10 players on the hot seat. Here is what they say.

Reggie Bush, running back, New Orleans Saints

Once hailed as the most electrifying prospect to come down the pike in years, the former USC Heisman Trophy winner sits at 22nd on Fox Fantasy magazine's list of running backs to draft. In two years as a pro, Bush has averaged a modest 3.7 yards per carry with his longest run from scrimmage listed as 22 yards. Legendary teammate Pierre Thomas averaged 4.8 in spot duty last season and mixed in a 24-yard scamper in only 52 rushing attempts. Oh, that's right — Reggie was being used as a decoy.

B-R-O-N-W-Y-N!!! (Photo Source)

For all the fellas in the house, meet Bronwyn Burt, one of your new Saintsations!

"I'm so excited," Burt said. "I can't wait for the games to start."

Burt is the daughter of John and Sharen Burt of Fort Walton Beach. She graduated from Choctaw in 2005 after being on dance teams there and at Pryor Middle School.
"We're just thrilled to death," Sharen Burt said.

AOL Fanhouse has an early breakdown of Saints players as far as their fantasy football value is concerned. For those who will be participating in CSC's fantasy league, you may want to brush up. Here is my favorite part.

The Team DS/T
It kind of pains me to say this, but the Saints might be a sleeper defense this year. They added Jonathan Vilma and Randall Gay to a defense that stuffed the run but got thrashed through the air last year. Josh Bullocks and Roman Harper are improving, and while they aren't my first, second or third choice for a D/ST, I would consider a late round flier.

This ought to get everyone pumped about next season. Or really disappointed if you are the superstitious type. From Saints Gab.

Surprise! All four of the major NFL magazines, Athlon, Lindy’s, Pro-Football Weekly and Sporting News, picked the Saints to win the NFC South.

We are screwed!

Our poster boy. (Photo Source)

The New Orleans Saints official website announced that Drew Brees was invited by league commissioner Roger Goodell to go on a USO Trip, along with Osi Umenyiora.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, joined by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, will soon leave on a seven-day, three-country summer USO tour led by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen.

And lucky for Drew and Osi, the Admiral invited other participants...

including two members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Here is Mike Detillier's weekly piece on Houma Today. It analyzes which college conference has the most projected starters in the NFL this season. I will spare you the very long and detailed breakdown and hit you with the good stuff.

Overall Breakdown

When you break it all down, the SEC leads the way with 137 projected starters for the 2008 NFL season. The ACC finished second with 121 projected starters.

The Big Ten finished third with 105 starters and the Big 12 was fourth with 72 projected starters.

The Pac-10 finished with 70 starters, the Big East has 33 starters and Conference USA and the Mountain West each have 22 starters.

The WAC has 21 projected starters and the Mid-American has 19 starters. The Independents have 13 projected starters and the Sun Belt has 12 starters.

There are 57 players from the small college ranks that are projected starters in the NFL for 2008.

Here is an updated list of all the draft choices who are signed and unsigned by team from Scout.com.

This is a good one to end on. Read this article from the Times-Pic and tell us all which one you would choose, the gold pill or the black pill?

Got a bunch of other articles I missed this morning.

Here is a story from The News Star about Saints WR Robert Meachem. It doesn't say much we don't already know. Meachem is battling for that third receiver spot against Henderson and Moore. Said Meachem...

"My confidence is coming back," he said. "Everything is rolling now. You hear everything (the fans) do. You want to have a great practice to show them you're coming back strong."

Tiger Weekly had an article about new defensive line coach Ed Orgeron. This one helps us to get to know Ed a little better and than tells us what Ed has to say about this team defensively.

"I’m happy to be with the Saints," said Orgeron. "I’m looking forward to being a defensive line coach in the NFL (for the first time) and coaching with Sean Payton."

"Defensive line is what I know how to do," said Orgeron. "There should be very few surprises for me on a daily basis. Being a head coach for the first time, every day was new with new experiences. Coaching the defensive line, I feel comfortable. I know what to get done, and I really think that I can help the Saints defensive line."

He also said our defensive line should be good with Grant, Smith and McCray et al and that Vilma was a great addition.

"I know Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis will continue to go out and get the best players available to help the Saints go to the Super Bowl."

Yeah you right!

Also have a quick write up from Bleacher Report about our running  back and quarterback situation. Nothing new there.

Bleacher Report also had another breakdown on the Saints, this time covering the receivers and tight ends. Again, not too much new here. Here is what he said about our tight end situation.

Is there a position on this team that needs an upgrade more then TE. The Saints tried to trade for New York Giants TE Shockey but the trade feel through. So fans the fact that we will still have our same TE is good. They know the playbook better and have worked with the team for some time. The bad side is will we be able to show other teams that this TE is not just a blocking TE. Or that one is a receiver. Mark Campbell, Eric Johnson, and Billy Miller should be on the roster. I just don't for see this. This area could use the biggest shake up on any on the team. Ronnie Ghent, and Buck Ortega should push for alot of playing time. One could and should move one of the three out altogether.

The writing in this article is a little weird.

This piece from Pro Football Weekly is all about Jonathan Vilma, the man whom all are hopes and dreams are pinned on. Here is what he had to say.

"This past season, it was tough," said Vilma, who's entering his fifth year. "That was the first time I couldn’t take anything positive from the last season. Regardless of my injury, we were having a tough time. We started 1-5 (before he was injured). The defense wasn’t doing well. That was really tough to swallow.

"So going into this year, it’s almost like starting over. It’s like a clean slate where I just have to understand that last season was a tough one and I just need to learn from that and grow from there."

The article goes on to say that the Saints probably need Vilma as badly as Vilma needs the Saints.

“I don’t have to come in and bark orders or anything like that,” Vilma said. “That’s not what I do, it’s not even my personality, but I’m going to do whatever it takes to win. If it means that I need to get on somebody about doing their job because it’s going to help us win, well then yeah, I’ll definitely do that.

“I’m coming in to help the team win. That’s the bottom line for me. I want to help this team win and get to the Super Bowl and win the Super Bowl. That’s what I’m here for.”

Vilma also noted there was some anxiousness and hunger on the field during OTAs.

“I say anxious because no one is really comfortable with what happened last year,” Vilma said. “Even though I wasn’t here, the guys that are still here from last season, you can tell that they’re definitely not OK with what happened. I think guys are looking to come out and prove a point. The point is that it wasn’t a fluke two years ago when they made the NFC championship. It was hard work and it was a lot effort and a lot of talent and a lot of winning, of course.

“I think that you can feel that tension, which is not a bad thing, it’s actually a good thing because it keeps the guys on edge and it keeps the guys focused.”

Here's hoping!

A big happy birthday goes to my fiance Erin today.

Archie, Peyton and Eli singing Merle Haggard. That ought to whet your appetite. See you in a bit.

Continue reading this post »

I stumbled upon an interview Reggie gave while over in London. This one's a must read. It's from the Guardian in the UK. It's a bit odd, but still good. Here are some of my favorite excerpts.

Is this the year in which you can start dominating the league?
I think so – I have two years of experience now so I'm not a veteran but I'm not a rookie either. With the knowledge I've acquired and the hard work I've put in in the off-season, I think I can have a great year.

Good on you. The Saints didn't have such a good run last year - can you turn it around this year?
I definitely think so. The one thing I love about our team is we have good characters. We have good players, no character-issue guys who are going to get in trouble a lot, we've got some good solid veterans and we've got some weapons on our team. Two years ago we were the No1 offense in the NFL.

If not the Saints, who are the favourites for the Super Bowl this year?
Obviously the New England Patriots – they're the favourites every year! I think in the AFC four teams are going to be in the running for it – the Patriots, Colts, Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the NFC it's up for grabs, there's no one dominant team.

You must have got a lot of attention from the girls?
[Smiles] No comment.

[Right on cue, an extremely attractive young lady, who I am later told is Reggie's squeeze Kim Kardashian, appears in the doorway, distracting both Reggie and Small Talk] What's the best thing about being an NFL player, apart from the obvious?
Hmm, the best thing about being in the NFL? In America it's the No1 sport, it's exciting, fun, so to me the best thing is the buzz that surrounds football on and off the field.

Which team has the best cheerleaders?
[Laughter, followed by prolonged thought] Erm … probably the Miami Dolphins.

We had them out here last year, but unfortunately they avoided Small Talk's chit-chat. If you had one hour in London to take in a tourist attraction, which would it be?
Buckingham Palace. I'd take the tour of the Buckingham Palace and meet the Queen and all that.

Can you do that? Can you just go to Buckingham Palace and say hi to the Queen? I guess maybe if your Reggie.

Here's one from ESPN that pretty much overviews the offseason thus far. Really not too much new. Talks a bit about Vilma being ready to go this season. The one important thing it does tell us is when training camp will start.

Training camp start date: July 24

And now we wait. And now........we wait.

Now that I got you all anxious, this NFC South projection ought to get you angry. It's from WhatIfSports.com, and they tell us that the Panthers will win the division this season. Here is how they broke down the Saints.

New Orleans Saints (8-8)
Did you know that Drew Brees set a single-season NFL record for passing attempts in 2007? That speaks far more to the injury issues in the running game than the fact that the air attack was that prolific. The offense and defense look a little better in 2008. Health concerns and other uncertainties keep this team at .500. The Saints average 23.7 points per game (#16) and allow 23.8 points (#18) against a schedule featuring just four games against 2007 playoff teams.
Absolute Record: 7-9
Most Significant Newcomer: Sedrick Ellis, DT - This analysis actually likes several (Tracy Porter, DeMario Pressley and Taylor Mehlhaff) of those drafted by New Orleans. We also like the moves to land Jonathan Vilma and Randall Gay. But, Ellis is the biggest get for the Saints leading into 2008. He is a rare talent, and it is a total fluke that another once-every-ten-years type of defensive tackle prospect showed up in the same year (Glenn Dorsey). Ellis can stuff the run, take on a double team and get after the quarterback. In the simulated season, he makes 45 tackles and five sacks.
Biggest Strength: Drew Brees - Brees' arm strength, durability and accuracy are uncanny. Reggie Bush and Marques Colston may have great talent, but it is Brees who gets the most out of their abilities and makes productive players out of guys like Devery Henderson, Lance Moore and David Patten. Having some semblance of a running game in 2008 should make this passing game look a lot more like 2006. It also helps that this offensive line keeps Brees upright (they gave up the fewest sacks in the league in 2007, despite leading the league in attempts).
Most Exploitable Weakness: Passing Defense - We like the fact that the Saints addressed this by signing Randall Gay and drafting Tracy Porter. That's not enough to overcome a historically bad secondary. In 2007, the Saints gave up an astonishing 7.87 yards-per-attempt through the air. They may not do that again in 2008, but they are still one of the worst few passing defenses in the league.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Taylor Mehlhaff, K - When teams draft kickers, it is with the intent to play them that season. Mehlhaff grades as the best kicker available in the draft. He has a big leg and is accurate enough. If the Saints return to their high-flying ways of 2006, Mehlhaff could match Mason Crosby's rookie numbers (Crosby in 2007 - 31 FGM, 48 XPM). Outside of Mehlhaff, there are several options here, yet too many question marks around them. Robert Meachem, Pierre Thomas or any tight end on the roster were tempting to choose.
Closest Game: San Francisco (Week 4) - It may sound odd, but if the Saints want to prove they have significantly improved their secondary, they will have to show it here. With Mike Martz calling the shots, the 49ers will air it out and test New Orleans.
Fantasy Notables: Drew Brees (4) 3,944 yards, 25 TDs, 12 INTs; Reggie Bush (14) 1,501 total yards, 12 TDs; Marques Colston (19) 69 receptions, 1,020 yards, 6 TDs; Eric Johnson (30) 35 receptions, 322 yards, 2 TDs; Taylor Mehlhaff (20) 41/42 XPs, 24/30 FGs
Projected 2008 Results:

Week	Opponent	Win%	Avg Score
1	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	45	21-22
2	@Washington Redskins	39	17-27
3	@Denver Broncos	55	26-24
4	San Francisco 49ers	47	24-26
5	Minnesota Vikings	26	18-25
6	Oakland Raiders	57	13-22
7	@Carolina Panthers	35	19-27
8	San Diego Chargers	34	23-29
10	@Atlanta Falcons	80	29-22
11	@Kansas City Chiefs	79	29-21
12	Green Bay Packers	45	24-26
13	@Tampa Bay Buccaneers	56	23-22
14	Atlanta Falcons	67	29-17
15	@Chicago Bears	43	20-25
16	@Detroit Lions	54	26-25
17	Carolina Panthers	43	21-23

Of course the Saints will win the division and this prediction is totally incorrect, but at least they don't think the Saints will win the Superbowl. That would be worse.

Ross Devonport introduced himself to Times-Pic readers yesterday. He is a British writer who will be helping readers with their respective fantasy football teams. This was the first in what will be a season long series of articles. This edition covered the all important running back.

1. The running back-by-committee problem

The days when a plethora of running backs were taken in the first round might well be over heading into this season. That's because NFL teams are realizing the way to succeed is to have at least two running backs capable of handling a high number of carries a game. While that's all well and good for real football, it gives Fantasy owners massive headaches heading into a season. Remember the whole Marion Barber vs. Julius Jones situation from the past couple of years? Now multiply that by at least 10 teams and you'll quickly be reaching for the pain relief pills.

2. Those bloody rookie running backs

Starting with Darren McFadden, there are at least six rookie running backs that could play major roles with their respective teams this season. The problem is, where do you draft these guys in Fantasy leagues? No one is really sure how many carries each of them will get, whether they will adjust to the speed of the NFL and if they'll hit that rookie wall after 11 or 12 games. While McFadden seems like a good pick in the first three or four rounds, the rest are a crapshoot. Your best bet would be to get two clear starters first and then think about taking a risk on one of the youngsters like Jonathan Stewart, Kevin Smith or Rashard Mendenhall.

3. Top running backs are injury-prone

When you rank the top running backs heading into next season, the same names pop up: Tomlinson, Peterson, Jackson, Westbrook, Addai, Portis and Gore. Problem is, all but two of those guys have dealt with injury problems over the last few years. LT and Peterson both dealt with knee problems last year; Jackson missed four games in 2007 with a groin problem; Westbrook always seems to be dinged up slightly; Portis missed eight games two seasons ago, and don't forget Larry Johnson, who missed half of last season. Only Addai and Gore have seemed to stay relatively healthy so far.

This one  is just FYI. It's an updated list of the best available defensive free agents via Scout.com.

Yup, you guessed it. Its time to give you guys another chance to play coach and explain who you think will make this years squad. This week its the linebackers. To me, it seems the first 4 are obvious but the last one or two may be tricky and up for debate. Any surprises or shockers? Last year most of us probably thought Brian Simmons would easily win a spot. Didn't happen. This one should be interesting.

Here is the official ballot:

• Marvin Mitchell
• Jonathan Vilma
• William Kershaw
• Mark Simoneau
• Troy Evans
• Scott Fujita
• Jo-Lonn Dunbar
• Scott Shanle

I would say you should choose either 5 or 6 players. If you want to go into detail about middle linebacker and outside linebacker, go for it, but I will leave that up to you. Have fun with it!

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there!

I am surprised nobody thought to put this up in a FanPost.

The big story in NY yesterday was Jeremy Shockey's shouting match with Giants GM Jerry Reese on the final day of minicamp. The original report was from The Bergen Record. This may very well be the last straw for Mr. Shockey. Every NY media source covering the story seemed to suggest a trade now was very likely and very much wanted by Shockey, sportswriters and fans alike.

After the shouting match, it may well have reached the point where Reese will entertain offers.

The Saints tried to make a deal around draft time, while the Buccaneers also may have an interest.

The Giants won the Super Bowl as a team. They don't need Shockey tearing that down. - Big Blue View

Here's our solution: Trade Shockey. Pay Plaxico. - NY Daily News

This sure looks like Shockey is trying to stir up as much trouble as possible in an effort to get traded. And I’m starting to think that a trade might not be such a bad idea. - NY Daily News

The Giants will have to decide whether to keep Shockey or move him, perhaps at less than market value. - Fox Sports

Right around the draft, the Saints wanted Shockey and offered the Giants their second-round pick this year and their fifth-round pick next year. Considering Shockey's behavior, the Giants blew it by not taking those two draft picks and saying goodbye. That is probably going to be the best offer they get.

They should get back on the phone with Saints coach Sean Payton and hope he still wants the player he coached as a rookie to provide firepower for Drew Brees. The Giants have lost their leverage with teams knowing they have no choice but to trade him. They must get rid of him before training camp or risk his bad attitude poisoning the locker room. - NY Daily News

So does this mean Roman Harper should start packing his bags? Should Eric Johnson, Billy Miller or Mark Campbell be worried? Seems the Giants may not be so picky regarding trade offers a second time around. Heck, at this point lets see if we can give away someone else not nearly as good as Harper. I actually like him.

The Times-Pic also had coverage of the whole Shockey scandal. Not much else new to be learned, its just a review of the entire drama from its beginning earlier this spring.

I did like this part of the article though.

Here's a shocker: Shockey and Burress are represented by Drew Rosenhaus.

Ain't that the truth.

The rest of the article had had a league roundup of news including the latest on Chad Johnson, Cedric Benson and LeCharles Bentley.

The Sun Herald did a review of minicamp and a look toward training camp. You can read it for yourself but I will sum it all up.

• Meachem was looking good.
• Henderson and Moore are in danger.
• Colston is serious about his contract.
• They believe Tracy Porter is ahead of Usama Young on the depth chart.
• Jason David doesn't look to start.
• Vilma will be the starting MLB by the end of training camp.
• Keep an eye on Chris Barclay.
• DeMario Pressley needs to get healthy. Quickly.
• Reggie looks skinny.

Next up is a clip from Pro Football Weekly about Jonathan Vilma. Its from a couple of days ago, but still relevant.

The major piece of the Saints’ rebuilt defense, MLB Jonathan Vilma, told PFW this week that he’s in the final stage of his rehab from surgery last fall to repair a dead piece of bone that became dislodged in his knee, and that the knee held up well through the team’s OTAs and minicamp.

They had some quotes from Vilma, but I am pretty sure they were old and we have already seen them.

Here is the obligatory article about the first family of football, the Mannings, from Fox Sports. I swear they have one of these write-ups about once a month. This time its in a Fathers Day wrapping. Of note in the article, apparently Eli and Peyton weren't very close until Eli became QB for Ole Miss and they shared the common experience of being an SEC quarterback.

"It was something all of a sudden in common we could talk about," Eli said.

Peyton closes out the article.

"It's great when we come to New York now, too," Peyton said, "because he picks up dinner."

I seriously smell a reality show. Maybe after they both retire. Peyton does have that natural on camera presence that makes him very funny. If they came out with a reality show, what would they call it? Leave your submissions in the comment box.

Alright, I guess we have to talk about Will Smith today. Here is the latest from the Times-Pic. This is what Big Willy Style had to say for himself.

"It's a decision that me and my agent (Joel Segal) talked about," Smith said. "I want to be a team guy, be here for my teammates. The main goal is to win a Super Bowl this year, so I wanted to be here and help the team out."

"I've got to take it one day at a time," he said of being in New Orleans and working out with the team the rest of the offseason. "We'll see what happens after this weekend."

"Gotta see what happens," he said of reporting to Jackson, Miss., for training camp. "You never know. Got to take it one day at a time."

John DeShazier of the Times-Pic thinks he should and will get paid sooner rather than later. I think I agree. Let's finish it up with more Will quotes.

"It's two parts of it -- there's the football part of it and the business part of it," Smith said. "A lot of people confuse the two. I've got to be here for the football part, and the business part is totally different. That's something my agent and Mickey (Loomis) will figure out, hopefully in the near future.

"You never know. You've just got to take it in small steps. This is not going to happen overnight. It's going to be a gradual process, and we've got a lot of time to get something done. I'm hopeful that we'll get something done in the future."

The Advocate had its own article on the Will Smith situation, replete with more quotes from the man himself.

“It’s a slow process and I knew that going into it,” Smith said between workouts. “I knew it wouldn’t be (quick). I’ve got to see what happens. You never know. I’ve got to take it one day at a time and I’m hopeful that something will get done in the near future.”

“That’s all voluntary and you don’t have to be there,” Smith said of the offseason program, which began in mid-March and ends June 12.

“The mini-camp is something you have to be at. It’s important to start off the 2008 season. It’s important. That’s why I’m here.”

Smith said he has been working out five days a week. “It’s not like I’m missing out on work,” he said. “I’m always training. My body is my job. Every day I’m working hard and trying to get better.”

“You just have to take it in small steps,” he said. “This is not going to happen overnight. It’s going to be a gradual process and we’ve got a lot of time to get something done and hopefully we will get something done in the near future.”

With all of his talking to the media, how did he even find time to actually practice!

The Sun Herald gives us an update on Deuce.

"He probably went 30 percent, 20 percent," coach Sean Payton said. "Selectively on certain reps. He had his recheck last week in Birmingham. We are just bringing him along with a few other guys the same way. He took some but not a lot of reps."

"The one common denominator is that you are still in helmets and jerseys really," Payton said. "You've just got to be mindful of that. I would probably liken his reps to where he was two years ago at this time coming off the other ACL. It's getting his weight down and getting in shape and bringing him along so where there's no setback."

More  from the Times-Pic, this time about the fresh meat on the team.

"Be it through free agency or the draft, there were some position needs, and we fell into opportunities to hopefully address some of those needs," Payton said after Friday's first mandatory minicamp practice when asked to assess his confidence level on whether those moves are paying off. "It's hard to tell without getting these guys into the live drills.

"Each offseason, when you go through the acquisition of players, you feel good about what you've done. I think as we move forward and we get into training camp and the preseason, you get a better feel for what you have. Right now, we're pretty much set with the numbers we're looking at, and we're just getting these guys up to speed."

Yesterday I talked about how there was only positive things to say about the team at this point. Not any more.

There were moments Friday when both new corners were victimized by big plays.

Porter, playing on the right side in McKenzie's spot, bit on a flea-flicker fake that left wide receiver Lance Moore alone for a deep catch on one play.

And on the next snap, Terrance Copper blew past left corner Gay for a wide-open down-field look.

Ahhhhh. Now thats more like it. Porter defends himself.

"I mean, it's always a good opportunity to get reps when you can get them, whether it's with the ones or the twos or even the threes," Porter said. "This is the NFL. All the guys are high-caliber guys. For the coaches to mix it up and put DBs in different positions and get looks at different guys with the groups, I mean, it definitely gives you experience, and it allows you to get a sense of chemistry with different guys on different units."

Here is something from McCray, who has sort of gotten lost in the mix a little thig offseason.

"We're still at the beginning stages, getting back into shape and things like that, learning new plays and getting back to fundamentals," McCray said. "but (speed) is a key asset for me, getting some speed up the field and getting some pressure on the quarterback.

"They brought me in, a cornerback, a linebacker (Jonathan Vilma). A lot of people they're bringing in to get this team a lot better. That's what we're focusing in on right now."

Payton wraps it up...

"I think certainly we feel the need to improve on (the defensive) side of the ball. We talked (Thursday) night specifically about a number of statistics and things that applied not only to our defense, but to our kicking game, as well as our offense. I think there's a number of things we've got to pay attention to coming off a season where you finish 7-9."

James Varney (not the actor who played Ernest in those lovable goofball comedies) of the Times-Pic brings us news about the Saints deal with the state of Louisiana.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the topic came up," Jindal said when asked about the Saints' deal with the state set to expire in 2010.

"I'm ready to start talking!" Saints owner Tom Benson interjected from the side of a small stage on which Jindal had spoken for several minutes urging southern Louisiana residents to take hurricane preparedness seriously.

Who cares about hurricane preparedness? Could we please talk about football.

"I'm interested in the Saints being here throughout my administration and beyond my administration," Jindal said. "I understand we have to have a long-term plan in place, and I would love to have the spotlight the Super Bowl presents to show the country how our recovery is going."

Moving on, the article tells us that QB Tyler Palko is not making a very good case for being Drew Brees' backup.

Palko, who is in his second year from Pittsburgh, fumbled snaps, overthrew receivers and fell in one drill after the exchange with center.

Yet another Live Chat with Times-Pic writer David Gladow. Check the whole thing out here.

On the wide receivers...

I've gone on record saying Hendersen's days as a Saint may be numbered.   I honestly believe that there are only two ways for him to keep his job:

1.) He finds a role and excels at it on special teams.
2.) Meachem flops.

That doesn't mean everyone else is safe though.   Copper would figure to make the team due to his special teams contributions, and the same can be said of Moore to a lesser degree, but Arrington is off to a great start in camp and could very well complicate things.   I think Henderson will have to have an outstanding preseason, and Copper and Moore will have to have good ones to hold the rookie off.

 I think that the Saints play so many 3-receiver sets he'll end up getting a ton of time regardless.

I really expect it to be Colston, Patten, Meachem, in that order.

On Mike McKenzie...

I think it will be struggle for him all season.   In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if we saw a position change.

Could McKenzie be the answer at safety?   I honestly don't think it's a bad idea at all.   His explosiveness won't be back for another year or so, but he CAN play the ball in the air well ... his instincts won't have gone anywhere.

If that doesn't happen (and I haven't seen any indication that it will), I like Kaes as well.   He's not the most consistent player in the world, but at least he'll deliver the good with the bad.   I think he'll get a fair shot at the position, so it will ultimately be decided this preseason.

On starting corners...

I like Gay and Porter at the corners, with David playing nickel.   Team McKenzie with Harper and you may suddenly have something.

On tight ends...

Miller has been the most consistent, but Johnson has the flufflier resume and can probably do more things down the field.   Provided there are no new additions, you'll see the same things you did last year -- heavy rotations with the two of them and Mark Campbell.

More news on the ongoing Reggie Bush investigation. This comes from an article in the San Diego Union Tribune. Apparently, Bush and his attorneys avoided most of about 70 questions posed to them and answered only nine of them. Brian Watkins, the attorney for Lloyd Lake, the man suing Bush, had this to say.

“They are doing whatever they can to avoid this,” Watkins said. “They're completely bogus objections.” He said the questions that were answered were basic ones such as whether Bush's parents lived in the house, which they acknowledged.

Bush's attorney's responded saying this, in an email...

“Plaintiff did not produce any of the alleged tapes or any documents that establish he made any payments to anyone,” Cornwell said in an e-mail. “Plaintiff's discovery responses also indicate that he will continue to hide behind the Fifth Amendment.”

Basically, all this means is that the squabbling continues and no one is getting anywhere with all of this. The only people who are winning in this entire situation are the lawyers who represent the respective parties, who I'm sure continue to collect their large hourly wages as the battle continues. I am in the wrong business.

Stay classy San Diego.

Alex Marvez at Fox Sports gave his opinion on which players teams should pay, ignore, or trade. Will Smith was among those who should be paid.

New Orleans defensive end Will Smith: The Saints appeared ready to let Smith leave via free agency in 2009 when signing Charles Grant to a seven-year, $63 million contract and adding Bobby McCray in free agency. But Grant's NFL future is in question after he was recently indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges from an altercation at a Georgia nightclub. Even if Grant is ultimately cleared, Smith (17.5 sacks and 115 tackles the past two seasons) might be the better player.

What about Colston? Definitely gotta sign him!

Fox Sports also had this article about the Saints running back situation, Nothing new here. Basically, Reggie Bush was disappointing last season and needs to step it up this year.

CBS Sports quickly talks about Jonathan VIlma's progression. I am pretty sure most of this was already covered, but just in case, here you go .

"I'd say I'm pretty close," Vilma said. "I'm pretty close, barring any setbacks. I should be ready to go by training camp. ... I feel good about where I am right now, but I'm not going to be satisfied until I get out there and we're playing full pads."

I guess I have to lead off with the latest Charles Grant news. Here it is, from the Times-Pic. Its actually pretty extensive and detailed. I suggest checking it out.

Here is what the police report said.

"Deputy Moore came upon victim Charles Grant at the intersection of Murdock Ave. and N. Church Street. Mr. Grant was bleeding profusely from a stab wound on the back of his neck. I spoke with Mr. Grant and advised him to calm down and sit on the hood of his car . . . until EMS could arrive."

"I started asking the crowd if anyone saw anything. (A witness) came up to me crying, stating I needed to help him. I asked what I could do. (The witness) stated Charles Grant shot Possum, a.k.a. Ms. Reed, and she was dead. I asked him if he saw the shooting, and he said yes. . . . Several people in the crowd were yelling that Charles Grant did the shooting."

And here is what the man himself had to say. It's a lot.

"Nah. I told the truth," Grant said. "The truth will set you free. That's nothing that worries me. I'm going to hold my head the highest a head can be held.

"I worked 29 years to get to where I'm at; at 29 years old, that came with a lot of ups and downs. I have a lot of stuff that has been on my shoulders. Like I said before, I'm a warrior. Warriors are born. Some people, you have to turn them into that. I stand for something.

"Putting me on TV, that's all fine. I have to take that bullet right now. But you know, in the end, as long as the truth comes out, like I told you, that's all that counts to me. The truth."

Ummm...."take that bullet right now?" Charles, please, I think you could be choosing your words a little better at this point.

"I won't hide. I won't shutter in a cave, because sometimes that's what people want you to do, shutter yourself. I'm a grown man," Grant said. "If I would have done anything down on Church Street that night of the incident Feb. 2, I'd have claimed it. I'm a grown man. I'd have claimed my responsibility in any situation. And that night, I was a guy who got attacked.

"Now I'm turned into the guy who did this or did that. But my lawyers are handling it. They're great lawyers. My prayers go out to the family and the people who have to go through this, and I just can't wait until it's over."

"I went to one club (Pokey's), and I've been going to this club for years. I know the owner very well. It's not like people look at it, as a guy has a certain amount of money and he can't go out? I've been going out my whole life. You tell me I can't? This is America. That's why they have freedom of speech, rights. That's what we stand for as people. That's what people before me have fought for. This is a situation not only for me; this is a situation for every guy who stands in the NFL who has accomplished goals. You're going to tell those guys you have to stay shuttered in the house because you achieved such greatness; you're not able to do this, you're not able to that? I think that's wrong."

"You're a reporter, right?" Grant said. "Your job is to come and find out the scoop and put it in the paper, right? Who is the guy who has the most money in this situation? Me, right?

"You figure that out. And just know one thing: I worked 29 years to acquire my name. The money doesn't so much mean anything to me. It's moreso my name, because my kids will have to come up with my same name. I don't want anybody dragging my kids through the mud."

"I haven't been back to Pokey's," he said. "Who's to say? Right now, I won't. But who's to say. I'll just make sure another kid, in this business that I'm in, will not be humiliated in this situation because of who they are and what they work for. That's my ultimate goal in this situation.

"There are 2,000 guys in this league I'm in. Every time one guy in this league (gets in trouble), he's always the guy to get humiliated. But this is where you stand for something. Everybody has to stand for something. Rosa Parks, when she got on the bus, she stood for something. So in this situation, it's not a race situation. I'm not mad about any of this that's going on."

I'm curious to know everyone's take on this whole situation. Comments please.

Good news, coming from an article in the Times-Pic, is the possibility of the Superbowl coming back to New Orleans for 2013. Now, we knew Benson and the Saints were trying to get a bid, but this article says Tommy boy must have worked some magic at the recent owners meetings and convinced a fair share of the owners that New Orleans was deserving of the honor it has missed out on for what would be 11 years.

Jerry Jones...

"I support New Orleans for about anything it does," Dallas owner Jerry Jones said. "I got to play in two Sugar Bowls there (with the University of Arkansas) personally and have spent a lot of my life being a part of the great aura and tradition of New Orleans. I know what they've meant to the Super Bowl and, to that end, what they've meant to sports.

"I'm a big New Orleans fan. I don't have any problem supporting anything they do with the NFL. Of course (the time between games) is certainly a consideration. The Cowboys have gotten to play in (two) Super Bowls there (winning No. XII in 1978). So certainly I'll be a big supporter of New Orleans."

Bears owner Mike McCaskey...

"As (committee) chairman, I don't like to say definitely one city or another," McCaskey said, "but New Orleans has always been a terrific host city for a Super Bowl. So I hope, just personally, they'll be putting in a bid. I'm sure it will be outstanding. I remember very fondly Super Bowl XX in New Orleans. So I have a soft spot, indeed."

Colts owner Jim Irsay...

"We've always had a great time in New Orleans," Irsay said. "All our fans and our sponsors, people love to come to New Orleans. It think when everything gets worked through, I can see that. I think you guys in New Orleans know, if the stadium situation is right and the reconstruction is back up and running, it's a great town to host a party. I can see that being positive when we get into the next decade.

"You guys have been in the rotation for years. It's a site that's really liked by us. Everyone has a good time down there."

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen...

"I like New Orleans as a Super Bowl site; if you're asking me if I'd support them I probably would"

Cardinals owner Bill Bidwell...

"I think I would support that"

Looking good! For those Who Dats who are always worried about Benson possibly moving the team, his attempt to secure a Superbowl in New Orleans in 2013 should be proof enough of his dedication to the city and his plans to keep the team here. Particularly when added with his purchase of Fox WVUE.

The Sun Herald had an article about the Saints biggest off-season pick up, Jonathan Vilma. He's glad to be back in a 4-3 system after struggling two years in the Jets 3-4.

"It wasn't that I didn't fit into the system," Vilma said. "It was one of those adjustment-type things where it's you are right-handed and someone is telling you to write left-handed. It was a really big adjustment, not just learning the defense but when you go out there and play and you have to consciously think about fitting and your assignment and footwork.

"That takes time just like anything. Two years and it was still a learning process. Now that I'm back to something that I'm used to playing with through most of my career, the learning process isn't there. It's just learning Xs and Os."

Vilma's main focus is on his knee injury however,

"It's one of those where there's no need to be out there and forcing the issue, especially when we have a couple of months ahead of us," Vilma said. "Right now it's more of a time where you just take it in stride and just gradually go... . For me it's really just about taking it easy. Unfortunately, I have to hold back, which is something that I don't like to do."

"I'd say I'm pretty close," Vilma said. "I don't want to actually give a number just in case something happens. But right now I'm pretty close, barring any setbacks. I should be ready to go by training camp... . I feel good about where I'm at right now, but I'm not going to be satisfied until I get out there and we're playing full pads."

So what are Jonathan's feelings about the Saints and next season?

"You come in and they obviously want me to play a leadership role and a starting role and being in a defense that I'm comfortable with and just being able to go. You're not worrying about some of the little things. You just really focus on getting better with the knee and going out there and playing."

"The vibe that I get is a hungry vibe," Vilma said. "It seems like regardless of the record last year, a lot of guys have an agenda. The agenda is not to just make the playoffs but to win it all. You can feel that. You can sense that in the demeanor and the approach of these guys. Especially veterans like Drew Brees where you can see how he's leading the group. It's exciting to see."

The Times-Pic also had this article about the great wide receiver battle of 2008. Its pretty much the same info the Sun Herald gave us yesterday. There are also a couple of quick clips of league info, including a Belichick sighting at the Celtics game and a reformed T.O.

Saints signed S and punt returner Tuff Harris, formerly of the Miami Dolphins and the University of Montana. He will report to OTA's on Monday. From the Missoulian. With a name like Tuff, he better be, well, tough!

I'm sorry for not bringing you the latest Charles Grant news as it breaks as if its the Watergate scandal, but I don't think I need to add anymore fuel to this fire. This story is already overexposed enough. If you want yesterday's news flurry about the story, you can find all the same information regurgitated over and over in multiple formats by clicking here, here, here, here, here, here and here. How's that for link dumping! To sum it all up...

• Charles was at OTA's yesterday.
• He is turning himself in today.
• He will be back for OTA's Friday.
• His lawyer thinks the charges are incredibly unusual and unsubstantiated.

The newest info comes today from a Times-Pics article and a Sun Herald article.

"I don't know if it's going to end quickly or not, but there's not going to be a plea arrangement," Tolley said. "We will enter a plea of not guilty (at a later date)."

"In my view, Charles is a victim," Tolley said. "A man ran up behind him and stabbed him with a knife. Our position has not changed. Charles was not involved in the fight. Whether you can be a passive participant in a fight, I don't know. . . . We're going to wait for a judge to help us sort it out."

I think it is still too early to start speculating about this one. Check these quotes out...

Coach Payton

"We’re still gathering information. Our own security people are still gathering information and we’ll go from there." - New Orleans Saints

Jon Stinchcomb

"I don't have a clue about the details." - Times-Pic

Dane Ciolino, Loyola Law professor

"We don't know about all the evidence." - Times-Pic

Who am I to pretend I know any better? Let's all cool it for now.

And oh yeah...Will Smith wasn't at OTA's. The Times-Pic and Sun Herald both have the story.

Here is Sean Payton's quote on the matter

"He and I had a chance to visit about a month and a half ago, and you'd like to have all your players here. But it's not unusual," Saints Coach Sean Payton said. "I think you just go around the league, and each team has a player or two maybe that's unhappy with his contract. And so in the meantime our focus is on the players that are here. And we're full speed ahead." - New Orleans Saints

Also from the Times-Pic today is their review and observations from OTA's yesterday. Here is

On Jonathan Vilma

Vilma said the scheme he's mastering with the Saints is similar to that run by the Jets in his first two years in the league. Vilma said he feels ready to go full speed full time, but that would be ahead of schedule. The limited action to date is the result of an agreement he reached with Payton.

"It's been exciting, to come from rehab and the surgery and get to this point," Vilma said. "We're being cautious, of course, that's to be expected, but it looks pretty good at this point."

Here is what Big Sed had to say...

"I feel like it's been going really well," Ellis said. "I've got a couple of days in now with the older guys, and they kind of helped me along with some of the plays and stuff, and I feel like it's coming along just fine."

OBSERVATIONS: New backup quarterback Mark Brunell looked comfortable in the pocket and seems to be fitting in nicely. . . . With McKenzie out, the top three cornerbacks working with the first-team and nickel defenses were Jason David, Randall Gay and Usama Young. Veteran Jason Craft and rookie Tracy Porter worked with the second team.

Here are my own random notes from Payton's Q&A:

• Arrington and Meachem are both impressing. Sweet!
• Jammal Brown is having his best off-season. Yes!
• Jonathan Goodwin is kicking butt. Nice!
• Bobby McCray got a boo boo while working out too hard.
• Here is the injury list:  Deuce McAllister - knee, Josh Bullocks - knee, Aaron Glenn - ankle, Mike McKenzie - knee, Mark Simoneau - hip, DeMario Pressley - foot, and Eric Johnson - ankle.
• Payton acknowledged possibly picking up another LB.
  

It seems I am the only one still talking or thinking about this one. Well, me and the NY TImes. They had a new article on the David Jacobs steroid investigation. Yesterday Jacobs handed over e-mails, canceled checks and other evidence to NFL officials. Though the names of the players Jacobs is giving up have not been released, it seems there is a good chance Lehr could be one of them.

"The documents corroborate statements Jacobs has made to investigators. He provided the names of people connected to his steroid dealings."

This will continue to unfold. The Dallas Morning News was also on this one this time.

Here is the latest on the Reggie Bush scandal at USC, from the LA Times. More disagreeing and bickering basically. Depositions will begin in June.

The judge announced that Lake would be deposed by Bush's attorneys on June 5 and 6, Bush would be deposed June 23, and LaMar Griffin, his stepfather, and mother, Denise, would give depositions shortly thereafter.

Watkins said Wednesday that he planned to serve notice to USC Coach Pete Carroll and running backs coach Todd McNair for depositions in mid-to-late June.

The judge announced that Lake would be deposed by Bush's attorneys on June 5 and 6, Bush would be deposed June 23, and LaMar Griffin, his stepfather, and mother, Denise, would give depositions shortly thereafter.

Watkins said Wednesday that he planned to serve notice to USC Coach Pete Carroll and running backs coach Todd McNair for depositions in mid-to-late June.

For those of you actually interested in football and not the off-field drama, here are the roster cut-down dates.

• 75 players - August 26th.
• 53 players - August 30th

Some of these articles came out late yesterday, so pardon me for the delay. I try my hardest to stay on top of it.

The big news of the day is the Saints signing of three players late yesterday. The Sun Herald and Times-Pic both had the story, here and here.

Signed by the team were quarterback Travis Lulay, defensive tackle Marcus Pittman and wide receiver Carlos Robinson. Loomis also announced the signing of rookie free agent offensive tackle Carnell Stewart, who played at LSU. - Times-Pic

That should make local LSU fans happy. Robinson and Pittman were UFAs. Lulay was on Seattle's practice squad last year. For more detailed info, head over to the New Orleans Saints official website.

Sadly, the team waived four players.

• Nate Mcmanus - OL
  
• T.C. Ostrander - QB
  
• Akim Millington - OL
  
• Evan Moore - WR

The New Orleans Saints official website had a story about the one and only Marques Colston.

When asked this morning about his accomplishments thus far in his career and if the desire to improve is what motivates him, Colston took the question in an entirely different direction.

“The only record I am aware of is that we are coming off a 7-9 season,” Colston said. “Our goal is to get back to the playoffs and be a contender again. I look around our locker room and see players that have their confidence and believe in each other. We’re pushing each other all the time. My motivation doesn’t come from compiling statistics or setting records. My motivation is in finding ways to help this team win.

Nice! He's the man. Oh please Marques, tell us more.

“My approach, I hope, is consistent in regards to the business side as it is to how I approach the game,” he said. “I’m not about going to the press and talking about my contract status or anything little that comes up. I have an agent that I hired and his job is to talk to the front office. My job isn’t to worry about that. It’s my responsibility to come to work everyday and focus on getting better and helping our team win football games.”

He also had some positive words to say about the new players.

“The new guys have fit in great,” he said. “They came right in and fit in immediately by being here and working out next to the players that returned. They have come right in and I see that they are doing the things that they need to do to be successful. They’re all team players and just enhance the good chemistry that is already in here.”

Colston leaves us with some more inspirational wisdom about his first two years in the league.

“It’s been very fast paced, but it’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “I have found out a lot about myself. I think I have come a long way in two years, but I also think there is a lot further I can go and that is really my focus and what motivates me to continue to work hard.”

Colston smiled and concluded, “One of the reasons I suppose I have tasted success early in my career, if you want to call it that, is because I walked into a great situation. I am blessed to have a great coaching staff that has helped me grow as a player and a person, and we have a great quarterback in Drew and I’m part of an offense that gives the players an opportunity to make plays. It’s about learning something new every single day.”

Sports Illustrated released a story yesterday regarding Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis (we need to come up with a nickname for this dynamic duo. If you have a suggestion, throw it in the comment box) and their thoughts and feelings about the upcoming season. This is a good one; positive and refreshing if nothing else. Payton is very excited.

"I like where this team's at," he would say. "The locker room, the environment here, they're both real solid. I like the guys that we've got on this team. The season can't come quick enough. I'm looking forward to it. I like the way it's shaping up."

The rest of the article goes on to explain why the Saints should could be a good team this year. All the same stuff we already know: free agent acquisitions, upgraded defense, Meachem's emergence, Bush's breakout, yada yada yada.

Coach tells us how he will decide who plays and who doesn't.

"Each year, it starts anew," he says. "We've played free agents over draft picks and vice versa, so we're really not biased as to how we got these players. What's most important is, who's playing the best when we start the season?"

Mickey had some words about Jason David.

"We have not by any stretch of the imagination given up on Jason David," says Loomis. "Jason had a tough year, a tough transition period, going from the [Cover 2] defense that the Colts played to the defense that we played. What we asked him to do, in terms of being out on an island and covering guys man-for-man more often than he did with the Colts, it took an adjustment period for him. But he's got the ability to be a good corner for us, and that's what we expect."

We've got another "Talk Saints" with Mike Triplett from the Times-Pic. Here are the highlights. Check out the whole Q&A.

On, of course, Shockey...

Alright, let’s start with the weekly ritual of answering all the Shockey questions first. … I think the bottom line is that the Saints have made it clear that they’re interested in him, and the Giants haven’t decided yet that they want to give him up. Maybe this thing will continue into training camp, and maybe it will never happen. But if the Giants ever change their mind and decide they can live without him, they know who to call first.

 

Remember, both of these teams are trying to win the Super Bowl THIS year, so those future draft picks aren’t any more attractive to the Giants than they are the Saints. … And I don’t think the Saints will overpay with a first- and second-rounder or anything.

On the defense and our secondary...

I think the most important thing the Saints did was upgrade their entire defense, front to back. They will be much more disruptive up front, with the additions of Sedrick Ellis and Bobby McCray, and they should be more athletic in the linebacker corps if Vilma or Morgan can contribute. … That will keep quarterbacks like Marc Bulger, Matt Schaub, Jeff Garcia, Chris Redman, Quinn Gray (the list goes on and on) from sitting back and having career days against the Saints.

 

And I do think the talent was upgraded a little bit at cornerback. Randall Gay is not a superb athlete, but he’s trustworthy in a lot of different formations, either as a starter or a nickel guy. Tracy Porter is a rookie, so who knows what you’ll get. But he’s athletic and fast enough to cover the deep ball. Mike McKenzie should be able to return from an ACL injury, but it’s impossible to know how much speed or explosion he’ll lose until we see him in the preseason. And Jason David has to be better in his second year in the system. … Plus you’ve got Usama Young heading into his second year, and veterans Jason Craft and Aaron Glenn in the mix.

 

It’s not a position of strength. But something halfway decent should emerge from all that depth and competition.

 

I’m sure the Saints have spent a large amount of this offseason figuring out how to adjust their schemes and game plans. And I think they hand-picked the newcomers (Gay and Porter) to fit those ideas. … of course, we don’t get to see the playbook, though. But trust me, the Saints are well aware of their problems, and they’ll try something new.

On the defensive line...

Sedrick Ellis lined up at nose tackle during rookie camp, which is Hollis Thomas’ position. … But I think they’re just going to keep Ellis at one position for a while so he can learn and absorb the defense. Eventually, I think he has the versatility to play both tackle positions, depending on the situation. Obviously you want Hollis in there on running downs (assuming Hollis can stay healthy and in shape this summer). So it might be nice to see Ellis and Hollis plugging the middle together on obvious rushing downs, then see Ellis with Brian Young at other times, then see Ellis with three defensive ends on obvious passing downs. … And I suppose Ellis should get a breather once in a while, too. The Saints are pretty deep at this position now with rookie DeMario Pressley and veteran backups Antwan Lake and Kendrick Clancy.

In community news, the Brees Dream foundation in conjunction with the  National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation is donating $670,00 to Lusher High School on Freret St. in my neck of the woods. The money will be used to rebuild the schools athletic fields. Click it here for the whole story.

Note to Drew: CSC and its staff are also accepting donations.